Koichi Takada Architects appoint James Perry as Director, Brisbane.
Koichi Takada Architects has appointed architect James Perry as Director, Brisbane, marking a strategic milestone in the practice’s commitment to Queensland and its growing portfolio across the globe.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, and based in Sydney for many years before relocating to Brisbane, James is an accomplished architect with more than 25 years of experience, delivering award-winning mixed-use, cultural, civic and educational projects in Australia and abroad. Formerly a Principal at FJC Studio, he led significant projects including 77 Market Street and UTS Central, alongside major cultural works such as the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Redevelopment and the Warships Pavilion, as well as numerous residential, university and cultural projects.
James and Koichi first worked together in the late 1990s at PTW Architects, where they found a close alignment in design process, conceptual approach and collaborative ethos. The pair continued to work together on international pursuits, including a competition-winning project in Japan, forming a long-standing professional relationship rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for architecture’s cultural and civic role.
“James and I have a long working relationship and a strong alignment,” says Koichi Takada, Founder and Principal. “His experience strengthens our position in Queensland at a moment when Brisbane is embracing cultural investment, subtropical urbanism and global attention ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
In Brisbane, James will lead the team, taking responsibility for design direction and strategic oversight on a number of significant projects, working closely with KTA teams in Sydney and internationally.
Across practice and education, James has made a sustained contribution to architectural discourse in Australia. He has led undergraduate and master’s design studios at UTS, where his teaching has explored design innovation, architecture in the landscape and the creative process. His reputation for collaborative leadership and strategic design thinking is recognised across the industry.
“Brisbane is entering a pivotal period, with significant investment in cultural, residential and civic infrastructure and it’s an incredible time to be in Brisbane,” says James. “I’m delighted to help lead the practice in Brisbane, working with an incredible team, our clients and partners to realise projects that continue to contribute to Brisbane’s future.”
The appointment coincides with continued momentum for Koichi Takada Architects in Queensland, following the success of projects such as Upper House in Brisbane and Norfolk in Burleigh Heads, as well as multiple residential and mixed-use projects currently under development.
Please join us in welcoming James to the studio.
